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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. 



THE 



MILITARY ORDER 



LOYAL LEGION 



UNITED STATES. 



PHILADELPHIA 

1877. 



With the compliments of 

John P. Nicholson, 

Bvt. Colonel, U. S. V. 










^*rV 



CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. 



THE 



MILITARY ORDER 



LOYAL LEGION 



UNITED STATES. 



7 



PHILADELPHIA 

1877. 




* ' •-•1 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, /or 

The Military Order of the I.oyal Legion of the United States, 

BySam.B.Wylie Mitchell, M. D., Acting Recordcr-in- Chief of said Order, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, 

for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 




Instituted April 9TH, 1865. 



CONSTITUTION. 



PREAMBLE. 

\A/e, Officers and Honorably Discharged Officers 
OF THE Army, Navy and Marine Corps of the United 
States, whose names are hereunto annexed, — having aided 
in maintaining the honor, integrity and supremacy ofllie 
National Government, at a critical period of its history; 
and holding in remembrance the sacrifices in common 
made, and the triumphs together shared in the support 
of this sacred duty, — do unite in order to ordain and es- 
tablish a permanent Association for the puiposes and ob- 
jects hereinafter set forth. And to this end, pledge our 
honor, as officers and gentlemen, to be governed by the 
following Constitution and By-Laws. 

ARTICLE L 

title. 
This Institution shall be known by the name, style and 
title of The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of 
the United States. 



ARTICLE II. 

PRINCIPLES. 

This Order acknowledges as its fundamental principles — 
I St. A firm belief and trust in Almighty God; extolling 
Him under whose beneficent guidance the sovereignty 
and integrity of the Union have been maintained, the 
honor of the Flag vindicated, and the blessing of Civil 
Liberty secured, established and enlarged. 

2d. True allegiance to the United States of America, 
based upon a paramount respect for and fidelity to the 
National Constitution and Laws, manifested by the dis- 
countenancing of whatever may tend to weaken loyalty, 
incite to insurrection, treason, or rebellion, or in any 
manner to impair the efliciency and permanency of our 
Free Institutions. 

ARTICLE III. 

OBJECTS. 

The Objects of this Order shall be, to cherish the 
memories and associations of the war waged in defence of 
the unity and indivisibility of the Republic; to strengthen 
the ties of fraternal fellowship and sympathy formed from 
companionship-in-arms; to advance the best interests of 
the soldiers and the sailors of the United States, especially 



of those associated as members of this Order, and to ex- 
tend all possible relief to their widows and children; to 
foster the cultivation of Military and Naval Science; to 
enforce unqualified allegiance to the General Govern- 
ment ; to protect the rights and liberties of American citi- 
zenship, and to maintain National Honor, Union and 
Independence. 

ARTICLE IV. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The several constituted bodies of this Order shall be 
designated as Covwumderies, and shall consist of — 

1st. State Commanderies, to be knpwn as "The 
Commandery of the State of " 

2d. A National Commandery, lo be known as "The 
Com m a n d e r y - i n - C h i e f . " 

ARTICLE V. 

MEMBERS. 

The Members, or Compariums, of this Order shall be of 
three (3) Classes: — 

ist. Commissioned officers of the United States Army, 
Navy and Marine Corps, — Regular and Volunteer, — who 
have been actually engaged in the suppression of the 



Rebellion, — whether as a Commissioned Officer, Non- 
commissioned officer, Warrant officer, or Enlisted man. 

The eldest male lineal descendants of deceased Com- 
panions of the First (ist) Class: and in default of such 
issue, then of their collateral branches in the order of gen- 
ealogical succession. 

2d. The eldest sons of living Companions of the First 
(ist) Class, provided they be twenty-one (21) years of age. 

Upon the death of the Companion of the First (ist) 
Class, through whom eligibility of membership is derived, 
a Companion of the Second (2d) Class shall become a 
Companion of the First (ist) Class. 

3d. Gentlemeii in civil life, who, during the Rebel- 
lion, have been specially distinguished for conspicuous 
and consistent loyally to the National Government, and 
who have been active and eminent in maintaining the 
supremacy of the same. 

Also the following members ex-officio: — The President 
of the United States of America, the Secretary of War, and 
the Secretary of the Navy. 

ARTICLE VI. 

ELECTION OF MEMBERS. 

Section i. — Every application for membership shall be 



made in writing, signed by the applicant ; and shall be 
recommended in writing by three (3) Companions of the 
Commandery to which he shall apply, who shall vouch 
for the candidate's eligibility. The application shall be 
referred by the Commander to a Committee of Investiga- 
tion, consisting of three (3) Companions of the Order, none 
of whom shall be of the recommending Companions. If 
the applicant be a candidate for the First (ist) Class, the 
Committee shall ascertain the date of his appointment or 
muster into the United States service as a commissioned 
officer; and if discharged, the date of the same, and the 
reasons therefor. In all cases, they shall make a careful 
examination of his standing and moral character ; and 
shall report in writing at the next stated meeting of the 
Commandery. After the reading of the report, the Com- 
mander shall formally request any Companion of the 
Order who has any objection to the report, or reasons 
against the election of the candidate, to then state the same 
if he so desire. Upon the adoption of the report, — the 
candidate must be balloted for if the report be unfavor- 
able, — every Companion of the Order present, shall, 
unless excused by a vote of the Commandery, deposit 
one (i) ballot for or against the candidate. If he be a 
candidate for the First (ist) or Second (2d) Class, and 



lO 

not more than two (2) black balls be deposited against 
him, he shall be declared duly elected: but if three (3) or 
more black, balls be deposited against him, he shall be 
rejected and so declared, li he be a candidate lor the 
Third (3d) Class, and one (i) black ball be deposited 
against him, he shall be rejected and so declared. 

Sec 2. — An application for membership may be with- 
drawn before report thereon; or after report and before 
ballot, if the report be favorable. 

Sec. 3. — A Companion-elect of the First (ist) or the 
Second (2d) Class, before being admitted to the privileges 
of membership, shall subscribe to the Constitution and 
By-Laws of the Order; pay an admission fee of at least 
twenty-five dollars ($25.00), which shall entitle him, dur- 
ing membership, to a Diploma, Badge and Ribbon; be 
presented at one of the meetings of the Commandery, 
and there make the requisite declaration. But if he shall 
neglect, or refuse to comply with these conditions for the 
period of six (6) months, unless prevented by sickness or 
other unavoidable occurrence, his election may be de- 
clared null and void: — 

Provided, That Companions-elect of the Order who may 
be stationed, or who may reside at a distance too great 
to be present at the stated meeting of their Commandery 



next succeeding their election, and who are thus unavoid- 
ably prevented from complying in full with the above re- 
quirements, may, in lieu thereof, make in writing the 
requisite declaration of membership. 

Sec. 4. — If a candidate for membership be rejected, he 
shall be forever after ineligible for proposal in any other 
Commandery of the Order; and not eligible in that in 
which he was rejected, until a period of three (3) years 
shall have elapsed from the date of his rejection: after 
which, in the event of the rejected candidate applying for 
membership, he shall comply in all particulars with the 
forms hereinbefore prescribed; and to be elected, must, 
when balloted for, be approved unanimously. 

Sec. 5. — When the fact of the ineligibility of any can- 
didate for membership of the Order shall be certified to, 
before the Council of any Commandery, by a Committee 
of Investigation duly appointed, it shall be duly and 
properly recorded ; and a copy of such record shall be 
forwarded, through the proper channel, for the information 
and guidance of the several Commanderies. 

ARTICLE VII. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Section i. — The right of a member to resign, or to 



12 

withdraw from the Commandery for any stated period of 
time, on application made as hereinafter directed, shall 
be given at any stated meeting, — two thirds (%) concur- 
ring in the same : this, with the understanding, that, 
during such time, the Companion withdrawing shall not 
enjoy the rights and privileges of other members. 

In case of the proposed resignation of a member, before 
the same shall be accepted, he shall return to the Com- 
mandery of which he is a member, his Diploma, Badge 
and Ribbon of the Order. 

Sec 2. — All applications for permission to resign or to 
withdraw from the Commandery, shall be made in writing 
and accompanied by a certificate from the Recorder, that 
all dues to the Order have been satisfied. But no mem- 
ber shall be permitted to resign or withdraw while charges 
are pending against him. 

Sec 3. — Membership shall be forfeited only for a viola- 
tion of any of the obligations taken on entering the 
Order, or for other conduct unbecoming a gentleman 
and inconsistent with that of a man of honor. In such 
cases the Diploma, Badge and Ribbon, and all other 
property belonging to the individual as connected with 
this Order, shall be returned to the Commandery of which 
he is a member. 



^3 

Si^c. 4. — Commissioned officeis of the Regular Army, 
Navy and Marine Corps, members of any Commandery, 
upon being ordered lo a station where there is a Com- 
mandery with which they desire to afiiliate, shall be en- 
titled to a temporary transfer thereto, upon written appli- 
cation to their Commander, accompanied by a certificate 
from the Recorder that all dues to their Commandery 
have been satisfied; and during their absence they shall 
not be liable for dues to their Commandery. 

Companions in Civil Life, changing their permanent 
residence to a place within the jurisdiction of any other 
Commandery, may, in like manner, receive a transfer. 

In no case shall a Companion be exempt from his 
obligations to his Commandery, solely on account of 
absence therefrom. 

Sec, 5. — In case of the death of a Companion, his heirs 
shall be entitled to retain possession of his Diploma, 
Badge and Ribbon. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

IMPEACHMENT OF MEMBERS. 

Section i. — If the conduct or character of any Com- 
panion of this Order shall be impeached, the accusing 
member shall prefer his charge in writing lo the Council, 



14 

who shall notify the accused of the same; and if, after a due 
investigation, the Council consider the charge to be sus- 
tained, they shall report the case, with their decision, to 
the Commandery; notifying the accused of the time when 
the report is to be made. If the accused member shall 
fail to come forward and exculpate himself, he may be 
expelled by a vote of two thirds {%) of the members of 
the Commandery present. 

But no vote for the reprimand, suspension or expulsion 
of a Com panion, shall be taken except at a stated meeting. 

Sec 2. — The dismissing, cashiering or dishonorable 
discharge from the service of the United States, of any 
officer who may be a Companion of this Order, shall con- 
stitute a sufficient ground for his expulsion without further 
investigation. If such officer shall be reinstated, he may 
thereafter resume his membership in the Order, there 
being then no objections existing to his so doing. 

Sec 3. — A member who has been expelled, may be 
reinstated only by a unanimous vote of the members of 
the Commandery at the next stated meeting afier he shall 
petition in writing therefor. 

ARTICLE IX. 

HONORARY MEMBERS. 

Section i. — Companions of the Third (3d) Class in any 



15 

Commandery shall not exceed in number the ratio of 
one to thirty-three (1:33), to those of the First (ist) 
Class. 

Sec. 2. — The Companions of the Third (3d) Class, 
shall not be liable for fees or dues. In consequence of 
which remission they shall not be entitled to vote at any 
meeting, or be eligible to any office of the Order: unless 
they elect to accept the financial obligations of Com- 
panions of the First (ist) and Second (2d) Class. 

ARTICLE X. 

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE. 

The Diploma of Membership and the Insignia of the 
Order may be conferred upon any foreign officer, and 
also upon any gentleman who served on the general 
staff without a commission but who is otherwise eligible 
to membership, by a vote of the Congress of the Order; 
the necessary actiQn to be taken by the Commandery-in- 
Chief; such Members-at-Large to be recognized as Com- 
panions of the First (ist) Class. 

Membersat-Large may affiliate with any Stale Com- 
mandery, upon assuming the prescribed financial obliga- 
tions thereof. 



i6 



ARTICLE XI. 

DIPLOMA OF MEMBERSHIP. 

Section i, — Every Diploma of Membership shall be 
signed by the Commander-in-Chief, and shall have the 
seal of the Order affixed thereto, and be attested by the 
Recorder-in-Chief. 

Sec. 2. — The FORM OF THE DIPLOMA shall be as follows: — 

No.— 

In the Name and by the Atithorily of 

(COAT OF ARMS.) 

The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the 

United States. 

The Commandery-in-Chiff. 

To all to ivhom these Presents shall come, 

(Greeting: 
Know ye, That 



Having been specially distinguished for faithful services 

in maintaining the honor, integrity and supremacy of the 

* 

Government of the United States of America, was received 

as a Companion of the Class of the Military 

Order of the Loyal Legion of the LLmted States, 

on the .day of. , Anno Domini, thousand 

.hundred and ., through the Commandery of 



17 

the State of . 

In testimony whereof, the names of the proper Officers, 
and the Seal of the Order are hereunto affixed. 

Given at Philadelphia, this day of , in the 

year of our Lord thousand hundred and , 

and of the Independence of the United States of America 
the , and of the Order the 




Commander-m-Chief. 
Attest: — 



Recorder-ill - Chief. 
ARTICLE XII. 

DEATH OF MEMBERS. 

Upon notice of the death of any Companion of the 
Order, the Commandery will be convened for the purpose 
of attending the funeral ceremonies. 

The Companions, wearing the usual badge of mourning, 
will march in the order prescribed for such processions. 

If agreeable to the family of the deceased, the coffin 
will be draped with the United States flag, and the pall 
supported by eight (8) Companions of the Order. 



i8 



ARTICLK Xlll. 

OFFICERS. 

Section i. — The Oflicers of the S/a/e Conimanderies 
shall be a Commander, a Senior Vice-Commander, a 
Junior Vice-Commander, a Recorder, a Registrar, a 
Treasurer, a Chancellor, a Chaplain, and a Council con- 
sisting of five (5) Companions — of which Board the other 
Officers shall be members ex-officio. 

They shall be elected annually, as hereinafter directed. 

Sec. 2. — The Officers of the National Commandery 
shall be a Commander-in-Chief, a Senior Vice Com- 
mander-in-Chief, a Junior Vice-Commander-inCliief, a 
Recorder-in Chief, a Registrar-in-Chief, a Treasurer-in- 
Chicf, a Chancellor-in-Chief, a Chaplain-in-Chief, and a 
Council-in Chief, consisting of five (5) Companions^of 
which Board ihe other Officers shall be members ex-officio. 

They shall hold office during the term of four (4) 
years: or uniil their successors, respectively, shall be duly 
elected and invested. 

ARTICLE XIV. 

DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 

Section i. — It shall be the duty of the Commander to 
preside at all meetings of the Commandery and of the Coun- 
cil; to enforce a strict observance of the Constitution nnd 



19 

By-Laws; to appoint all Officers and Committees not 
otherwise provided for; to sign all orders drawn upon the 
Treasurer for all sums necessary to defray the expenses, 
and for other appropriations made and passed at a stated 
meeting of the Commandery; and to perform such other 
duties as custom and parliamentary usage, or his charge, 
may require of him. 

Sec. 2. — The Vice-Commanders shall, when called 
upon, assist the Commander in the performance of his 
duties. The Senior Vice-Commander is, in the event of 
the death, resignation, or absence of the Commander, 
his plenary representative. And in the event of the 
death, resignation, or absence of the Senior Vice-Com- 
mander, the Junior Vice-Commander succeeds to all his 
powers and duties. 

If none of the above-named Officers be present, a Com- 
mander //-f tempore shall be appointed. 

Sec. 3. — It shall be the duty of the Recorder to keep 
in books provided for the purpose, — 

1st. Tlie Constilution and By-Laws, Rules and Regula- 
tions of the Order, — to be signed by every Companion on 
his becoming a member thereof 

2d. A Register of the members of the Commandery, 



20 

ruled to embrace every material fact relating to or growing 
out of their membership. 

3d. KJotirtialoixhe. proceedings of the Commandery, 
after the same have been corrected and approved. 

4th. A Ldier-Book of copies of all official letters sent 
and received. 

5th. A Ledger, to contain the accounts of the Com- 
mandery with its members. 

6th. A Rcceipt-Book, in which to lake the Treasurer's 
receipts. 

7th. A Black-Book, in which shall be recorded the 
names and rank in the service of all that, at any time, 
may be declared ineligible for membership in the Order; 
and also of those members who may have been expelled 
from any Commandery, together \vith the reasons therefor. 

It shall be his duty to keep these books in readiness, at 
all times, for inspection by the Council; to keep all 
accounts between the Commandery and its members; to 
receive in trust all moneys of the Commandery, and pay 
the same without delay to the Treasurer, taking his re- 
ceipt for the same. He shall attest all orders drawn upon 
the Treasurer for money ordered to be paid at a slated 
meeting, and none others, except those hereinafter spe- 
cially provided for. He shall give due notice of all 



21 



meetings of the Commandery; and he shall furnish in 
the said notice the name, rank and command in the ser- 
vice, and address of each candidate for membership, to- 
gether with his or their Recommenders, and the Com- 
mittee of Investigation: and in the notices of the first 
stated meetings in May and November, he shall state the 
amount due by the Companion to whom issued. He 
shall conduct the correspondence of the Commandery; 
and shall notify the National Commandery and each 
State Commandery, from time to time as they may occur, 
of every admission and rejection, suspension and expul- 
sion, resignation and withdrawal, restoration and death. 
He shall, at the last stated meeting in his term of office, 
make out for the Commandery a full report of all moneys 
received during his term, and also the arrearages of every 
member; and shall transfer to his successor in office, 
within two (2) weeks from the expiration of his term, all 
books, papers, or other property in his possession belong- 
ing to his office. He shall notify the family of a deceased 
Companion of the First (ist) Class, of the provisions of 
Article V, paragraph 2d; and shall perform such other 
duties as the Commandery, or his office, may require of him. 
Sec. 4. — The Registrar shall have the care and arrange- 
ment of the archives of the Commandery. He shall pro- 



cure and keep a Register of all the Companions of the 
Order, each numbered according to Commandery and 
date of admission. 

In the absence or disability of the Recorder, he shall 
officiate in his stead. 

Sec 5. — The Treasurer shall receive from the Re- 
corder all moneys belonging to the Commandery; giving 
receipts for the same. He shall pay all orders signed by 
the Commander and attested by the Recorder, and none 
others; and must retain, in a book provided for the pur- 
pose, these orders as his vouchers. He shall keep fair 
and regular accounts of his receipts and expenditures; 
making a quarterly statement thereof. He shall perform 
such other duties as the Commandery, or his office, may 
require of him. He shall pay over and deliver to his 
successor in office, on the night of investure of said suc- 
cessor, all moneys, vouchers, books and papers belong- 
ing to the Commandery, in his hands at the close of his 
term of office. And for the faithful performance ol his 
duty, shall give such security as the Commandery may 
direct. 

Sec. 6. — The Chancellor shall have the care and cus- 
tody of the Seal of the Order, together with the Diploma- 
plate, Dies, Badges and Ribbon. He shall issue, on 



23 

proper requisitions, the Diploma of Membership and the 
Insignia of the Order; and shall keep in a book provided 
for the purpose, a full and complete record of the same. 

In no case shall he issue a duplicate Diploma, Badge 
or Ribbon, except by a vote of the Commandery of which 
he is a member; based upon the statement, upon honor, 
by the applicant, that the original has been either lost or 
destroyed: — Provided, That a Companion receiving such 
duplicate, shall pay the actual cost of the same. 

In the absence or disability of the Treasurer, he shall 
officiate in his stead. 

Sec 7. — It shall be the duty of the Chaplain to open 
and close the meetings of the Commandery in the manner 
prescribed; and to perform such other duties as general 
custom may require of him. 

Sec. 8. — The Council shall exercise a general inspec- 
tion and control over all property belonging to the Com- 
mandery. They shall be constituted a standing Com- 
mittee on Accounts: and shall audit and adjust the Com- 
mandery 's books semi-annually, or oftener if required to 
do so; rendering reports of the same. They shall be 
authorized to grant warrants for all incidental expenses 
that may accrue. In dissensions between Companions, it 
shall be their duty to act as a Court of Honor for the just 



24 

and amicable settlement of the same: but where charges 
are preferred against a Companion, they shall be consti- 
tuted a Court of Inquiry for the Commandery. They shall 
have power to fill vacancies in any of the offices of the 
Commandery, until the time of the next annual election. 
They shall be empowered to appoint for Commandery 
Head-Quarters an Orderly, who must be an honorably 
discharged soldier, sailor, or marine. 

ARTICLE XV. 

REMOVAL OF OFFICERS. 

Any Ofliicer of the Order who shall neglect, or im- 
properly perform, the duties incumbent upon him, may 
be removed by a vote of two-thirds (M) of the members 
of the Commandery present. 

ARTICLE XVI. 

MEETINGS. 

Section i. — The stated meetings of the several Com- 
manderies of the Order shall be held monthly; unless any 
Commandery, by a two-thirds (%) vote, shall otherwise 
direct: — Provided, however, That every Commandery shall 
hold a meeting in the month of May of each year for the 
election of Officers. 



25 

Sec. 2. — Special meetings may be convened at the 
pleasure of the Commander, or at the written request of 
eight (8) members of the Commandery:— three (3) days' 
previous notice being given in every case. 

Sec 3 — Eight (8) members of the Commandery shall 
constitute a quorum at any meeting at which" business is to 
be transacted. 

ARTICLE XVII. 

SECRECY. 

Section i. — The proceedings of the Order shall, as a 
general rule, be kept secret. 

Sec. 2. — Any member who shall disclose the name of 
a Companion who has been instrumental in causing the 
rejection of any candidate for membership, or give infor- 
mation that may lead to such disclosure, shall be expelled 
from the Order. And the Commander shall cause the 
provisions of this law to be read immediately after the 
rejection of such application. 

ARTICLE XVIII. 

FUNDS. 

Section i. — Funds for defraying the current expenses 
of the Order, and for the relief of the unfortunate, shall 
be raised by an annual assessment of, at least, five dollars 



26 



($5-Oo) upon each Companion; which shall be paid in 
advance. But any Companion of the Order who shall 
pay, at one time, one hundred dollars ($100.00) over 
and above his admission fee, shall be exempt from the 
payment of all further dues. 

Sec. 2. — All sums paid for the commutation of annual 
assessments, shall be transferred immediately to the Council 
for investment in United States or other approved securities. 

ARTICLE XIX. 

ARREARAGES. 

Section i. — Any Companion who rnay be in arrears at 
the time of holding the annual election for Officers, may, 
by a vote of a majority of the members of the Commandery 
present, be prohibited from voting, and be declared to be 
ineligible to any office until such dues shall be paid, or 
remitted by an order of the same. 

Sec 2. — Any Companion who may be one (i) year or 
more in arrears at the first stated meeting in April, shall 
be specially notified of the fact; and if the same be not 
paid within a reasonable time thereafter, the Commandery 
may, by a vote of two-thirds {%) of the members present, 
suspend the Companion until such arrearages shall be 
paid, or duly remitted. 



27 

Sec. 3. — If the Companion shall neglect or refuse to 
pay such arrears, he may be dropped from the roll by 
order of a majority of the members of the Commandery 
present; unless it shall appear that the delinquency has 
occurred through unavoidable disability, — in which case 
the Commandery may remit the whole, or any portion 
thereof. Companions so dropped from the roll may, 
however, be reinstated, upon th*; payment of such arrears; 
unless remitted as hereinbefore provided. 

ARTICLE XX. 

RELIEF. 

Section i. — Every Companion who has been a mem- 
ber of this Order for one ( i ) year and has conformed to 
its laws, shall, in case of misfortune and distress, be en- 
titled to such relief as may be deemed expedient. 

Sec 2. — The widow and the children of a deceased 
Companion shall be entitled to such relief as the Com- 
panion, if living, would have enjoyed. 

ARTICLE XXI. 
relief committee. 
Immediately after the installation of the Officers-elect, 
the Council shall, by and with the approval of the Com- 



28 

mandery, appoint eight (8) Companions, who shall con- 
titute a Relief Connniitee for the ensuing year. 

All applications for relief shall be referred to such 
Committee. 

The Committee shall be empowered to order temporary 
assistance only in cases which will admit of no delay; and 
shall immediately report the fact to the Council. The 
expenses for such assistance shall be paid by an order on 
the Treasurer, approved by the Council. But the said 
Committee shall draw no other orders upon the Treasurer, 
except by a resolution of the Commandery. 

ARTICLE XXII. 

STATE COMMANDERIES. 

Section i. — To further its designs, this Order shall, as 
far as is consistent with its principles and objects, institute 
Commanderies in all the States of the Union. 

State Commanderies shall be organized as the result of 
an application signed by, at least, thirteen (13) Com- 
panions of the Order, made to the Commandery- in- Chief, 
or if such body be not already established, then to the 
Commandery of the State of Pennsylvania; and granted by 
a two-thirds (K) vote of the same. The Charter for 
which shall be at once issued. 



29 

Sec. 2. The form of charter shall be as follows: — 

In the Name and bv the Authority of 

(COAT OF ARMS.) 

The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the 

United States. 

The Commandery-in-Chief. 

To all and singular to whom these Presents shall come. 

Greeting: 

Know YE, that our worthy Companions, , 



are hereby authorized and empowered to institute, or- 
ganize and establish a Commandery in , to be 

known as The Commandery of the State of , 

OF The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the 
United States. 

Witness the name of the Commander-in-Chief, and the 
Seal of the Order, attested by the Recorder-in-Chief, at 

Philadelphia, this day of in the year of our 

Lord^. thousand hundred and , and of the 



30 



Independence of the United States of America the. 
and of the Order the 




Commander-in- Chief. 
Attest:— 



Recorder- in - Ch ief. 

Sec. 3. — Upon issuing the Charter to any Command- 
ery, the Commander in-Chief shall direct at what time 
and place the same shall be organized; and the Officers 
then chosen shall enter on their duties at once, and hold 
their offices until the annual meeting. All Officers shall 
subsequently be selected at the annual meeting. They 
shall be chosen by ballot, by a majority of all the valid 
votes given; and should no candidate receive a majori- 
ty of all the votes polled at the first ballot, then the 
candidate receiving the lowest number of votes shall be 
dropped, and so on at each successive ballot. The Com- 
panions so elected shall enter upon office at the next 
stated meeting after their election, and shall hold the 
same, until their successors, respectively, shall be duly 
elected and invested. 

Sec 4. — Each Commandery shall have power to adopt 



31 

whatever Rules and Regulations may be deemed neces- 
sary for its own special government: — Provided, That the 
same do not in any way conflict with or impair any part 
or portion of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Order. 
Sec. 5. — Each Commandery shall make a full report of 
its condition, accompanied by a general history of its 
proceedings, to the Commandery-in-Chief annually in 
May. 

ARTICLE XXIIL 

COMMANDERY-IN-CHIEF. 

Section i. — The Commandery-in-Chief shall consist 
of the ex-Commanders and Commanders of the several 
Commanderies, and also of such other distinguished 
Companions of the Order as the Commandery in-Chief 
may elect. 

Sec. 2. — The duties of the Officers of the Commandery- 
in-Chief shall be as prescribed in Article XIV, of the 
Constitution, — for Slate Commanderies. 

Sec. 3. — All legislative power, except the proviso con- 
tained in this Section, and that elsewhere reserved to the 
subordinate Commanderies, shall be vested in the Con- 
gress of the Order; chief executive and supreme jutlicial 
power, in the Commandery-in-Chief: — 

Provided, That when a contingency shall arise, which 



32 

shall in all honor and fair dealing seem to the Com- 
mandery-in-Chief to demand instant and imperative ac- 
tion, it may, with the approval of a majority of the several 
State Commanderies, adopt measures to meet the contin- 
gency, which shall be binding until the next meeting of 
the Congress. 

Sec. 4. — The Commandery-in-Chief, shall, in the name 
and by the authority of the Order, issue all Diplomas of 
Membership and Charters for the institution of new Com- 
manderies. 

Sec 5. — In order that the several Commanderies shall 
be brought into as direct communication as possible, it 
shall be the duty of the Commandery-in-Chief to have 
each Commandery notified of any new organization that 
may have been effected; which, on the receipt of such 
official information, shall communicate, with the least 
possible delay, with the new Commandery, tendering 
greetings on its entrance into the Order. 

Sec 6. — The Head-Quarters of the Commandery-in- 
Chief of the Order shall be in the City of Philadelphia, 
State of Pennsylvania: at which place it shall assemble, 
at least, once in every two (2) years. The Council-in- 
Chief shall meet, at least, annually: its members may be 
represented by letter. 



• 33 

Sec. 7. — The actual and necessary expenses of the 
Commandery-in Chief shall be provided for by z. pro rata 
assessment upon each Slate Commandery, according to the 
number of the members in such Commandery. 

ARTICLE XXIV. 

CONGRESS OF THE ORDER. 

Section i. — A Congress of the Order, to be composed 
of three (3) Representatives from each and every Com- 
mandery, shall assemble at least once in every four (4) 
years, on the Wednesday next following the 9th day of 
April, in such place as may be designated by the preced- 
ing Congress; and shall act on whatever business may be 
laid before it. 

Sec 2. — Commanderies unable to be represented by 
their own special delegation, shall be required to select 
as substitutes a full delegation from another, or other 
Commanderies of Companions not delegated from their 
own Commandery; who shall, in all matters appertain- 
ing to the Congress, enjoy the rights and privileges of 
other Representatives. 

ARTICLE XXV. 

COAT OF ARMS OF THE ORDER. 

The Coat of Arms of the Order shallbe: — • 



34 

Arms. — Gironn6, (symbolical of unity,) of thirty-four gules 
and argent, (representing the number of States forming the 
National Government at the commencement of the Rebellion, ) a 
twisted pillar irradiated in pale or, environed by an orl of 
clouds proper. (v. Exodus xiii. 21-22.) 

Cres/. — Upon a wreath argent and gules, — a hemisphere 
or, charged with the legend America in letters azure; 
thereon the National Eagle in the position of defense pro- 
per; all within thirteen 6toiles of eight points arch wise of 
the first, on a field of the fourth. 

Supporters. — D e x t e r; A soldier under arms, his dexter 
hand supporting a lance — therefrom flying the Standard of 
the United States: Sinister; A sailor equipped for gen- 
eral quarters, his sinister hand supporting a pike— there- 
on hoisted the National Flag:— all proper. The equip- 
age of each as prescribed by the Regulations of 1861 and 
1865, for the government respectively of the Army and 
the Navy. 

Motto. — LEX REGIT, ARMA TUENTUR, — in letters argent, 
charged upon a scroll purpure. (v. Frontispiece.) 

ARTICLE XXVI. 

SEAL OF THE ORDER. 

The Seal of the Order shall be one-and-three-tenths 



35 

(}o) inches in diameter, and shall consist of the Crest, as 
hereinbefore blazoned, the letters — mdccclxv.- — in base; 
the whole encircled by a band one-eighth(i)of an inch wide, 
thereon the legend — seal of the military order of the 

LOYAL legion OF THE UNITED STATES. (v. Page 4.) 

ARTICLE XXVII. 

INSIGNIA OF THE ORDER. 

Section i. — The Insignia of the Order shall consist of 
the Badge pendant, by a link and a ring of gold, from 
the Ribbon. 

Sec 2. — The badge of the Order shall be as follows: — 

Obverse. — A Cross of eight (8) points gold; cantoned 
with rays of gold — forming a Star: its long diameter one- 
and-three-tenths (SiJ) inches, its short diameter eight-tenths 
(1*1,) of an inch. The Cross enameled azure; charged with 
a smaller cross of like proportions, enameled white and 
edged with gold. In the centre thereof, within a circle 
four-tenths (/o) of an inch in diameter, enameled gules, 
the National Eagle displayed gold. On the circle, gold, 
one tenth (/o) of an inch wide, the motto — lex regit, 
ARMA TUENTUR. — in relicvo. (v. page 40.) 

Reverse. — The Star as above described. In the centre 
thereof within a circle four-tenths dl,) of an inch in diam- 



eter, enameled gules, two (2) sabres in saltire, their points 
in base; surmounted by a fasces pale-wise, ensigned with 
the Phrygian Cap: environed in chief with an arch of 
thirteen (13) stars; in base, a wreath of laurel: — all of gold. 
On the circle, gold, one-tenth (,o) of an inch wide, the 
legend — m. 0. , loyal legion, u. s. — mdccclxv. — in relievo, 
(v. Page 41.) 

Sec 3. — The reverse of the link of each Badge shall 
bear an engraved number, corresponding to that of the 
registered number of the Companion to whom issued. 

(v. Page 41.) 

Sec 4. — The ribbon of the Order shall be of watered 
silk, one-and-one-half (}o) inches wide. 

For Companions of the First (ist) Class, — a red 
ribbon eight-tenths (1*0) of an inch wide, bordered with 
while and edged with blue; each ihree-and-one-half-tenths 
(Jo) of an inch wide. (v. Page 40.) 

For Companions of the Second (2d) and the 
Third (3d) Class — a blue ribbon eight-tenths d'i,) of 
an inch wide, bordered with white and edged with red; 
each three-and-one-half-tenths (./o) of an inch wide. 
(v. Page 41.) 



37 
ARTICLE XXVIir. 

UNIFORM OF THE ORDER. 

Section i. — On occasions of ceremony, the Companions 
of the Order may wear the uniform of their respective 
arm and grade whilst in the service: — subject to such 
regulations as may hereafter be enjoined. 

The Insignia of the Order shall be worn conspicuously, 
and only on the centre of tiie left breast: — Except, That 
Officers and ex-Officers of the Order, when in uniform or 
full-dress, may wear the Badge, suspended by the Rib- 
bon, round the neck. 

Sec 2. — When not on duty as Companions of the 
Order, the members may wear on the left lapel of the coat, 
one (i) inch from the top of the lapel, parallel thereto, 
and one-half (/^)of an inch from the front edge of the same, 
the prescribed Ribbon Kii their respective Classes. Or, in 
lieu thereof, Officers and ex-Officers may wear a rosette, 
and other Companions a knot, of the prescribed Ribbon 
and pattern, in the upper button-hole of the left lapel of 
the coat. 

ARTICLE XXIX. 

amendments. 
No alteration, addition, or amendment shall be made 
^o this Constitution, unless agreed to by three-fourths (M) 



38 



of the whole number of Commanderies represented in the 
Congress of the Order, 



40 




41 




42 



BY-LAW S 



ARTICLE I. 

INSTALLATION OF MEMBERS. 

The Companion-elect being formally presented at a 
stated meeting of a Commandery, shall, then and there, 
make a declaration, upon honor, that he will maintain 
the Constitution of the Order, and conform to all its By- 
Laws, Rules and Regulations; and will use his best 
endeavors to promote its objects and advance its interests. 

ARTICLE II. 

INVESTURE OF OFFICERS. 

A Companion elected to any office in. the Order, before 
being invested with the authority of the same, shall make 
a formal declaration, upon honor, that he will — well and 
faithfully — perform the duties of the office on which he 
is about to enter; and comply with all the established 
laws and usages of the Order, 



43 
ARTICLE III. 

DUTIES OF THE ORDERLY. 

The Orderly shall keep the Commandery Head-Quar- 
ters in good order; and shall perform such other duties 
pertaining to his office, as may be required of him by the 
Council. 

As a compensation for his services, he shall receive a 
fixed annual salary, payable quarterly. 

ARTICLE IV. 

FINES. 

Section i. — The fundamental principles of this Order 
being recognized as its only test of loyal citizenship, the 
discussion or introduction of sectarian or partisan topics 
within the precincts of a Commandery, is prohibited: — 
this, under a penalty of such fine, not less than fifty dol- 
lars (I50.00), as may be imposed by order of the Council. 

Sec 2. — All other violations or neglects of duty may 
be fined at the option of the Commandery. 

ARTICLE V. 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

At Stated meetings, the business shall be conducted in 
the following order: — 



44 

1. At the time appointed, the Commander shall take 
the chair and call the Commandery to order. 

2. The Recorder may call the Roll of Members. 

3. The Chaplain shall pronounce the opening prayer. 

4. The Minutes of the last staled, and all subsequent 
meetings, shall be read and disposed of. 

5. Companions-elect shall be installed. 

6. The stated business of the meeting, if any, shall be 
considered. 

7. Unfinished business shall be taken up. 

8. Reports of Officers and Committees shall be heard. 

9. Written communications shall be presented, 

10. Candidates for membership shall be balloted for. 

1 1. Applications for membership shall be received. 

12. Admission fees and semi-annual dues of Compan- 
ions shall be called for payment. 

13. New business may be introduced. 

14. The Recorder shall register the names of the Com- 
panions present. 

15. The Chaplain shall pronounce the closing prayer. 

16. Adjournment. 

ARTICLE VI. 

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS. 

Section i. — The general rules of the United States 



45 

House of Representatives, as far as applicable, shall 
govern the transactions of the Commanderies. 

Sec. 2.— All official orders, communications, records 
and proceedings, of whatever character, shall conform as 
nearly as possible to the general regulations, usages and 
customs of the military service of the United States. 

ARTICLE VII. 

THE ACTING COMM ANDERY-IN-CHIEF OF THE ORDER. 

Until the 4th day of July, 1876, the Commandery of 
the State of Pennsylvania shall act as the Commandery- 
in-Chiefofthe Order. 

But if on the date above specified, the Commandery-in- 
Chief of the Order be not organized, the said Command- 
ery of the State of Pennsylvania shall continue to exercise 
said functions until the organization of the Commandery- 
in.-Chief shall have been effected. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

AMENDMENTS. 

No alteration, addition, or amendment, shall be made 
to these By-Laws, unless agreed to by three fourths (H) 
of the whole number of Commanderies represented in the 
Congress of the Order. 



46 



INDEX 



CONSTITUTION. 

PAGE. 

Preamble, 5 

Article I.— Title, 5 

•• n. — Principles, 6 

III.— Objects, ■ 6 

" IV. — Organization, ...... 7 

«« v.— Members, 7 

♦' VI. — Election of Members, . . . ■. 8 

" VII.— Membership, ii 

" VIII. — Impeachment of Members, ... 13 

" IX. — Honorary Members, .... 14 

" X. — Members-at-Large, ..... 15 

" XI. — Diploma of Membership, ... 16 

" XII.— Death of Members, 17 

XIII. -Officers, 18 

" XIV.— Duties of Officers, 18 

" XV. — Removal of Officers, .... 24 

" XVI.— Meetings, 24 



47 



PAGE. 

Akticle XVII.— Secrecy, 25 

" XVIII.— Funds, 25 

" XIX. — Arrearages, 26 

XX.— Relief, 27 

XXI.— Relief Committee, 27 

" XXII.— State Commanderies, .... 28 

" XXIII.— Commandery-in-Chief, .... 3^ 

" XXIV.— Congress of the Order, ... 33 

XXV.— Coat of Arms of the Order, ... 33 

XXVI.— Seal of the Order, .... 34 

" XXVII.— Insignia of the Order, . . • • 35 

'• XXVIII. — Uniform of the Order, ... 37 

'• XXIX.— Amendments, 37 

BY-LAWS. 

Articlk I.— Installation of Members, .... 42 

II.— Investiture of Officers, . . • ■ 4^ 

III.— Duties of the Orderly, 43 

IV.— Fines, 43 

v.— Order of Business, 43 

VI.- General Rules and Regulations, . . 44 

VII.— The Acting Commandery-in Chief of the Order, 45 

VIII.— Amendments, 45 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Coat of Arms of ihe Order, ..... Frontispiece. 
Seal of the Order, ....... P^'-ge 4 

Obverse of Badge of the Order, and Ribbon for Com- 
panions of the First ( 1st) Class, .... '-40 

Reverse of Badge of the Order, and Ribbon for Com- 
panions of the Second (2d) and the Third (3d) Class, '■ 41 






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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




